Istanbul clubs agree transfers of De Souza, Gomis to Saudi Arabia

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s top sports clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray have agreed with Saudi clubs for the transfer of two star footballers.

Fenerbahçe’s Brazilian midfielder Josef de Souza was transferred to the Saudi club Al-Ahli, the Turkish club announced on Aug. 23.

“Josef de Souza has signed for @ALAHLI_FC. We’d like to thank Josef for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future! @souza5,” Fenerbahçe tweeted.

In a separate statement, Fenerbahçe said Al-Ahli would pay 12 million euros ($13.9 million) for the transfer.

The Istanbul club had signed the Brazilian international in July 2015.

De Souza scored 14 goals with 96 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig.

Gomis joins Al-Hilal

Galatasaray, another Istanbul giant, announced on Aug. 23 that it agreed with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal for the transfer of French footballer Bafetimbi Gomis.

Gomis’ transfer was completed for a fee of 6 million euros ($6.9 million), according to a statement made by Galatasaray to the Public Disclosure Platform on Aug. 23.

“Thank you for all the memories, @BafGomis. Best of luck in your career,” Galatasaray wrote on Twitter.

Gomis, 33, who joined Galatasaray at the beginning of last season, was the top scorer in the Turkish league with 29 goals.